Drain the gas??
 

I haven't used my boat since June. It's been in dry storage at the marina since then. Since I didn't forsee not using it for six months, I didn't take any precautions as far as Stabil or any other fuel additive. Do I drain the tank or add some kind of fuel treatment additive before I run it again? I intend to service all of the fluids and filters, just wasn't sure about the fuel.

It's a stock '06 model 496Mag.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Just top it of,with some 90+ octane fuel after you changed the filters, you be fine.

Or put a little octane boost in it.

I agree, no need to drain tanks unless you think that the fuel has been compromised. Put some stabil in and fill it up with high test before you go out again.

WILL:ernaehrung004:

If you havent used it since June when the fuel prices were still high, there is a good chance its already been siphoned out! :drink:

Jason and I were just down there. I guess we should have looked you up when we hit the water.

If it has ethanol I would drain it because it attracts moisture. If it doesn't have ethanol I would defintely save it. In upstate NY it is hard to find gas without it.

a little oc boost and top with 90 or plus you will be fine

Make sure to put some Stabil in it NOW. I agree with the others. Add some 92-93 octane in the Spring and use it.

Get some sea foam and add it to the tank it will keep it stable and clean the carb/injectors in the spring.
The main issue is if its carbed the fuel in the carb will not have any stabilizer in it.
Since it is a much smaller tank it will varnish faster.

I have seen guys use stablil in construction equipment and have it turn to Jello in the carb. I think its garbage.


I am wondering why everyone says only 90+ octane? Whats the burn rate of the fuel got to do with stabilization?


Ethanol will attract moisture that is true but I am told it will also help bring that water trough the combustion chamber and burn it if it does get contaminated.

at least thats what I have been told by New england race fuels.

I would drain the carb if its not fuel injected or run the boat for a while on the hose to get some sea foam into it.

Just my $.02

What is sea foam ??????????????

And higher octane fuel burns slower,therefor it will alow the moist to burn of.
Usually i think the 496 burns 89, so if old it will even lse more thats why u should put a little high grade in it.
Also i would not put anything else in my fuel tank exept for octane boost i hate stabil stuff.
If carbed and it dos not whant to start,emty fuel bowls and put a little fuel in the carb,then run it.
Befor u take any boat out u should run it on the hose anyways to check for leaks and overheating problems .
Thats my 2 cents.:drink:

You should store the boat with the tank full, or very close to full. The higher the level, the less room you have for condensation. An almost empty tank has plenty of room for condensation to form. The water then goes to the bottom of the tank and is picked up first next spring. If you store it full, there is very little air space for condensation to form. You should also put some form of fuel stabalizer(Stabil or equivalent) and run the engine for a few minutes to get it through the whole fuel system and into the injectors and fuel rail.
Eddie.

Stabil nor sea Foam will prevent octane loss over time. Fuel loses octane at up to .5 points a month. In 10 months it could lose up to 5 octane points. Add the high octane to get it back up to where it should be. At this point, I would just wait till Spring to add it.

I'd like to hear more discussion on the ethanol and water attraction. Water is heavier and ends up at the bottom of the tank.

I have personally never used the stuff, but I have heard it works well. There's some good info here on their products.

http://www.seafoamsales.com/products.htm

Ethonol is Hydroscopic so it holds moisture.

Just top it off in the spring, throw in some sea-foam if you are real concerned and change your fuel filter before and after if you are REALLY concerned.

There are pages of discussion about this all over the board.

Thanks for all of the replies, guys. Fortunately, we're down here where we boat all year, so I don't have to worry about storing it for the spring. Guess I'll put some good new gas in it with some octane boost and let 'er rip.

Jason did call when he was here recently. I wasn't able to get down to the beach because of family commitments, but will definitely get there next time.